Poor grade for environment protection

Cayman 27
11 April 2013

The Cayman Islands have received a poor grade for the protection of the environment. A report from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds says it’s because the islands do not have a National Conservation Law in place.

The Society gave Cayman a weak ranking among all British Overseas Territories for species protection, site protection, development control and accountability.

Minister of Environment Mark Scotland says his government hasn’t passed the law as its draft form still does not have general approval. Meanwhile, the Department of Environment says it is not surprised by the low ranking and the head of the DOE Gina Ebanks-Petrie is calling for urgent passage of the National Conservation Law.

Although the law has not been passed, the DOE says sea life is well protected under the recently amended marine conservation law.